UNESCO HISTORIC CENTRE OF MACAO WORLD HERITAGE

The pastel-colored
neo-classical buildings, creating a distinct Mediterranean atmosphere have been
a constant sight for us. We were at the Senado Square (Largo do Senado), a portion of the UNESCO Historic Center of Macau
World Heritage, a widely-known tourist attraction and the gateway to other
equally important landmarks of historical, religious and cultural significance
in the country.

Our everyday itinerary
includes a stop at the Ruins of Saint Paul.I even don’t know why, maybe for lack of research or the accessibility
to where we are staying.Along the way,
churches and buildings inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites surrounded by
merchants and locals vying for space comprises its modern landscape.Sans the sea of people, the charm of old
buildings dating back years ago is a given.The town squares from which commerce flourished, still serves its
purpose, even at the present times.

Walking is inevitable in a
tour around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Macau, China.At times, there are steep ascents that would
test one’s stamina and endurance.As
long as you are not carrying your luggage, the tour may or may not be a walk in
the park.It’s on a case to case basis.As for me, I take refuge in the winter season
and there’s less perspiration shed.

The Senado Square houses
varied restaurants and shops. Santa Casa da Misericordia and the Macau Business
Tourism Center front the Senado Square.
The Santa Casa da Misericordia literally translates to the Holy House of
Mercy of Macau. Aside from being a part
of the UNESCO inscribed Historic Center of Macau, the building served as a
medical clinic, orphanage and refuge for widows of sailors lost at sea during
the early times. Today, it serves as a refuge
to thousands of visitors and aligned peddlers of varied merchandise.

Going further, branded
merchandise sold on sale greets us, as we locate the famed Ruins of Saint Paul
– iconic landmark of Macau. A stall run
by nuns caught our attention where ref magnets, key chains and other souvenir
items are sold for a price less than those sold by vendors surrounding the
square. The said stall is beside the St.
Dominic’s Church.

The church is listed also as
one of the 29 sites that form the UNESCO Historic Center of Macau World
Heritage Site. This 16th
century Baroque-style church can actually remain unnoticeable. If not for the spare time, we could not have
visited the church and go direct to the Ruins of Saint Paul.

There are eight (8) squares
inscribed as part of the Historic Centre of Macau. Without even noticing they are UNESCO
Heritage Sites until the further research made, we wandered and loitered at
three (3), that is: Senado Square (Largo
do Senado); St. Dominic’s Square (Largo
do Sao Domingos) and Company of Jesus Square (Largo da Companhia de Jesus).

Senado Square

Company of Jesus Square

I am just glad I made solo
pictures at the said squares as an addition to my compilation of pictures at
the UNESCO World Heritage Sites around the world, though devoid of any knowledge
of their inscription at that time.

And the walk continues. A
food trip ensued as vendors gave each passer-by a chance to taste test on beef
jerky, cookies and other delicacies as gift to friends. The alleys leading to the Ruins of Saint Paul
are congested during weekends, though continues to be manageable.

There are alleys as well
leading to residential houses but that was not our main concern, as we are
determined to reach the Ruins of Saint Paul and nothing else. But one thing noticeable is the fact that
architectural designs of these buildings are a fusion of European and Chinese.

As soon as we reached the
Company of Jesus Square, commerce and tourism was heightened. We were at the foot of the hill leading to
the Ruins of Saint Paul. There are
restaurants and coffee shops that surround.
Starbucks coffee shop was my specific destination by request of friends
and for purchase of collectibles.
Ironically, Hongkong Starbucks card can only be purchased in this branch
of Macau. It’s a limited edition (a tip
for collectors).

Then, a flight of stairs
became our gateway to the Ruins of Saint Paul.
Another UNESCO Historic Center of Macau World Heritage it is. I was even caught in the middle of a crowd
doing selfies. This is after all the new generation.

The crowd never decreased in
number.As we get near the ruins,
noticeable is the signage on the stone facade carved “Mater Dei”.It means
Cathedral of Saint Paul and what we are witnessing is a remnant of the 17th
century Portuguese church.

The façade of the said
church is intricately designed that knowing its details made me appreciate the
site more.It is said that the carvings
include Jesuit images; the conquest of Death by Jesus and at the very top is a
dove with wings outstretched.The next
time you visit the façade, try to locate each detail.

After passing by the façade,
a shrine is open with remains of the original pillars. And that culminates our visit to the core of
the UNESCO Historic Center of Macau World Heritage.

The Historic Center of Macau
truly depicts on verbatim as to why UNESCO has inscribed the same as a world
heritage: “with its historic street,
residential, religious and public Portuguese and Chinese buildings, the
historic center of Macau provides a unique testimony to the meeting of
aesthetic, cultural, architectural and technological influences from East and
West, and “it bears witness to one of the earliest and longest lasting
encounters between China and the West, based on the vibrancy of international
trade.”

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About The Author

I am a CPA-lawyer by profession and a full-time wanderer. My tsinelas (slippers) have been my constant companion in my quest to discover the world we live in. No matter which part of the world I am, though oftentimes mistaken of a different nationality, I am always proud to wear my slippers, a mark of a Filipino wanderer.